Scrumptious Family-Favorite Baked Ziti Recipe That Wows

Comfort meets culinary magic in this delectable baked ziti that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Layers of melted cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich marinara sauce create a symphony of flavors.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

Italian-inspired comfort food doesn’t get better than this classic recipe.

Packed with robust ingredients and simple techniques, you can easily master this crowd-pleasing meal.

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this baked ziti promises to become your new favorite go-to dinner.

Grab a fork and prepare for a mouthwatering adventure that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What makes the meat sauce flavorful?

The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, herbs like basil and oregano, and marinara sauce creates a rich, aromatic base that enhances the overall taste of the ziti.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even Italian sausage to customize the dish to your preference.

• How do I ensure the pasta doesn't become mushy?

Cook the ziti al dente (firm to the bite) before baking, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. This prevents the pasta from becoming soft and soggy.

Best Baked Ziti Ever: What Makes It Special

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Dive into a hearty pasta dish that brings everyone together with its rich, cheesy layers and satisfying meat sauce.
• Master the Meal Prep: Create a make-ahead wonder that tastes even better the next day, perfect for busy families and meal planning enthusiasts.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for chicken or make it vegetarian by adding your favorite veggies, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different dietary preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that'll impress the whole family.

Ingredients List for Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: A classic Italian pasta shape perfect for creating delicious baked dishes with plenty of surface area to hold sauce.

• Ground Beef or Chicken: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian taste.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor foundation for the meat sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth, rich layer between pasta and sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing a stretchy and golden-brown topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Basil, Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean seasonings to the recipe.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking in the cooking process.

How to Make the Best Baked Ziti

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This sets the stage for a perfectly baked ziti that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your ziti pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 3: Sizzle the Aromatics

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in some olive oil. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them sizzle and release their irresistible fragrance over medium heat.

Step 4: Brown the Protein

Add ground beef or chicken to the skillet. Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown.

• Fresh basil
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the mixture simmer and meld together for 5-7 minutes, creating a flavor-packed sauce.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Layer Your Masterpiece

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom
• Add half of the cooked ziti
• Dollop half of the ricotta mixture
• Pour half of the remaining meat sauce
• Repeat the layers for maximum deliciousness

Step 7: Crown with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, creating a golden, melty crown.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make cutting easier.

Flavor Tips to Elevate Baked Ziti

• Drain pasta perfectly by cooking it al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a firm bite.
• Choose lean ground beef or chicken for a healthier version without compromising rich flavor.
• Layer ingredients carefully to ensure even distribution of sauce, cheese, and pasta in every delicious bite.
• Make ahead and refrigerate assembled dish for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before baking.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick future meals, reheating gently to preserve moisture and taste.

Twists to Try with Baked Ziti

• Vegetarian Ziti: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use marinara sauce and veggie-friendly cheese alternatives.
• Gluten-Free Ziti: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free ziti or penne made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Ziti: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use lean ground turkey and reduce cheese quantity for a lighter meal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Ziti: Add red pepper flakes, diced bell peppers, and swap herbs for za'atar seasoning. Include feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings with Baked Ziti

• Cheesy Family Feast Night: Gather loved ones around this comforting ziti dish, creating warm memories with every delicious bite.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-winning casserole to gatherings, watching friends and family devour it with pure excitement.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra portions and store in individual containers for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week, perfect for busy schedules.
• Leftover Transformation: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a sprinkle of fresh basil to refresh the flavors and make it taste like a freshly baked meal.

Storing Baked Ziti for Freshness

• Refrigerate leftover ziti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the pasta dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Separate the ziti into individual portions before storing to make reheating easier and more convenient.

Top Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering baked ziti delivers classic Italian-American comfort through layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheeses. Hearty portions promise satisfying dinner experiences you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ziti pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground chicken
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (454 grams) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatics and Oil:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), ensuring an ideal baking environment for your ziti masterpiece.
2. Boil the ziti pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender yet firm, then drain and set aside.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing onions and garlic until they release their aromatic essence.
4. Introduce ground meat to the skillet, browning thoroughly while breaking into small crumbles. Pour in marinara sauce, sprinkle herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 5-7 minutes.
5. Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta with mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Construct the casserole by spreading a thin meat sauce base in a baking dish, then layer systematically: first half of ziti, followed by half of cheese mixture, and half of remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layering process.
7. Crown the dish with a generous blanket of remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly crust.
9. Allow the ziti to rest for a few minutes after removing from oven, letting flavors settle before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein and texture.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium marinara sauce and cutting back on added salt during cooking.
• Control portion sizes by using whole wheat ziti or adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value without compromising flavor.
• Make ahead and freeze the assembled ziti for convenient meal prep, covering tightly with foil to prevent freezer burn and maintaining quality for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg